@Timothy Blackman- thanks  ...get some referrals for lenders from friends / co workers ...contact them all on the same day with the same criteria and ask them any questions you have and  ask for some scenarios ...compare the  feedback and service they provide ...pick one lender to get pre approved with ,,once you have a property - contact all lenders again for pricing options for the actual loan you will need ...hopefully the lender you chose for pre approval will be competitive in their pricing ..good luck

One reason could be that not all appraisers consider basement space to be "general living area" (GLA), regardless of the building codes.To overcome this barrier, you can:Provide Documentation: Present the city’s approval for the egress window and any other relevant permits or certificates that show the space was done according to code.

We have in our management agreement what amount of work we're authorized to have done without an approval from an owner (ours is $350)  If you don't have that, I would request that. 

Lenders might require approval for property transfers.2.

@Davin Manfredi first, regardless of what you do make sure you ask how they are going to run a vent and let them know you have to approve of the work that's going to be done and do quality control afterward.

When I approve a customer for an investment home its extremely hard to find a good agent that will "listen" to the buyer and me as the banker.

Even though interest rates and terms won't be as desirable as conventional, you'll have an easier time getting pre-approved.

My townhome development in WA was under 200k for 18-units to get full building and civil permits.So hypothetically, if you think it's worth 100k per door at preliminary approval before utilities and improvements maybe it'd be worth paying 50-60k per lot.

@Jessica Heller- contact  several  lenders on the  same  day - provide them  with the  same criteria -  get  some  quotes and ask the  questions you have  ...compare the date and the feedback received and then make a  decison on  starting the pre approval process 

@Ben Azubuike it's technically too late to add anything else if you've already signed a purchase contract.You can try to negotiate with the seller for review of:LeaseRent LedgerTenant approval criteriaAt closing you also want acceptable copies of tenant's: DL, SSN, paystub, bank statement, phone & email.